Focusing on your family’s mental health can be a struggle when basic necessities are uncertain. Families across the Granite State are increasingly challenged to secure family needs such as housing, food, heating, and other essential needs. Thankfully, organizations in every corner of the state are working to support NH families – learn more about their efforts:
GENERAL SUPPORT
211 NH (call 211 or visit 211nh.org)
211 NH connects Granite Staters with resources they need from specially trained Information and Referral Specialists. 211 NH is available 24 hours, 365 days a year.
HOUSING
Emergency Rent Assistance
If you are behind on your rent and are about to be evicted, your local Community Action Agency may be able to help you stay in your home. Emergency Rent Assistance is available to income-eligible individuals and families who are past due on their rent. Learn more.
Find Housing
Are you experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless? Your Community Action Agency can help you navigate the services and resources in your area. Some programs specifically serve veterans, others serve seniors or families with children.
Contact your local agency to learn more about all the ways they can help you get back on the path to stable housing.
Families in Transition
FIT provides several housing options to support low-income families and individuals experiencing homelessness. To learn more, call 603-641-9441, email info@fitnh.org, or visit fitnh.org.
New Hampshire Cold Weather Shelter and Services
The 2024-2025 list is available here – for more information or assistance accessing local homeless services, shelter, and/or supports, call 2-1-1 or visit 211nh.org.
New Hampshire Emergency Shelter and Transitional Housing
List available here – for more information or assistance accessing local homeless services, shelter, and/or supports, call 2-1-1 or visit 211nh.org. If you are fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, 24/7 confidential support is available by calling 1-866-644-3574. Locations of DV shelters are not shared to honor the safety of survivors.
FOOD
End 68 Hours of Hunger
This program puts nourishing food in the hands of school children to carry them through the weekend. Each bag of food is valued at $15 each week and provides two breakfasts, two lunches, and three dinners for a child. Find your local NH program here.
Mobile Food Pantry
The NH Food Bank’s Mobile Food Pantry program supplies neighbors who are experiencing food insecurity with relief assistance and typically travels to areas with low resources and/or a high need. This program schedules regular distributions throughout the state and then travels to those communities where an assortment of produce and shelf-stable foods are distributed directly to individuals in a drive-thru format. Schedule information is available here.
NH Food Bank Partner Agencies
The New Hampshire Food Bank supplies millions of pounds of food annually to more than 420 partner agencies statewide, including food pantries, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, children’s programs, senior centers and more. In turn, these agencies provide hunger relief to those experiencing food insecurity throughout the state. Find partner agencies near you.
Summer Nutrition Programs
Nationwide, nearly 30 million children participate in USDA’s school breakfast and lunch programs during the school year. However, when schools are closed, kids lose access to these healthy meals and are at higher risk of food and nutrition insecurity. Learn about NH Food Bank’s Summer Nutrition Programs here.
SNAP and WIC Federal Shutdown Information
Federal shutdown impacts on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. Learn about the updates here.
HEATING
Fuel Assistance Program & Electric Assistance Program
Falling behind on your energy bills? Your local Community Action Agency may be able to help. This can include reducing your utility bill with a discount when applying for the state Electric Assistance Program. Also, applying for the Fuel Assistance Program can help by paying for heating costs throughout the winter months. Your local agency can help you determine if you qualify.
Please don’t hesitate to connect with these organizations that support families in the Granite State. If you’re not sure where to start, simply call 211 or visit 211nh.org.